Friday, November 27, 2015

I really wanted to run a sale in my lingerie shop... but Dan informed me that I am crazy. With moving, a teething one year old, and the orders I already have, I guess it would be a little much... So, I apologize about that! I promise I'll get back to my game soon. Isabel is starting day care soon and I'm excited to get back to my normal work pace.

I also was able to meet Meg in person at the Lingerie Making workshop I did in Toronto recently. It was SO nice to meet another lingerie lover, and I only wish I had more time to spend with her...

So, here's the details. Head on over to All's Fair in Love and Lingerie and enter the give away. The winner will be able to choose 1 of 3 sets, yet to hit my shop, and the set will be named after the winner! Here's a chance to go down in Ohhh Lulu Lingerie History!

Friday, November 13, 2015

Happy / Sad.

We are moving!

Happy: we found a beautiful older home just out of town that is spacious, with a big yard, lots of gardens, and in a great community. We are excited for a new beginning!

Sad: leaving our first house feels bittersweet. Every day I curse that it is too small, the kitchen is hard to work in, I hate my old yellow bath tub... but we have put so much of ourselves into this house, I feel a little sad leaving it! Like the lilac bush my mom got me for my first mother's day, and the hand-me-down peony bushes...

We move the first week of December, which is approaching way too fast. I'm excited to get into our new house, but have way too much on my plate right now.

The new house was built in the 1930's and has many of the original features. On the downside, it's a old house that needs some repair and updating, which is always scary to take on. I've been busy the last little while getting quotes and information on some of the repairs that need doing. I feel out of my element, but it'll all get done...

I'm very excited to get settled in. I'll have an even bigger studio space. Dan will have a room to set up his easel and paint. The backyard is filled with gardens and will have lots of room for Isabel and Oliver to run around in. It's got a beautiful sun room where I picture having morning coffees in the summer. It's in a lovely little community, just outside of town, similar to where I grew up. I certainly have many wonderful memories of small "village" life growing up, and I hope Isabel will make lots of great memories here too.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

A while back, I was looking for a new hair dresser. I have always hated getting my hair cut, so I tended just to grow it long and snip the ends myself (I know, I know...). I always found the conversation so awkward, and I always ended up going home with fluffy bangs and too much volume, A friend of mine recommended Susie at Changing of the Garnet, so I decided to give her a try. I basically fell in lady-love. Susie is amazing; Talented, hilarious, hard working... all the good things. And she never leaves me with fluffy bangs.

She recently decided to expand her salon to include a small boutique, carrying handmade goods from the Orillia area. So, naturally....

Here I am!

I've got a few pieces that are not in my shop, as well as lots and lots of sleep masks. I hope to bring new items down over the next week or so too!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

I love halloween! I love ghost stories and candy and dressing up... it's just the best. One of the best parts of having a kid is being able to re-live that feeling that surrounds the holidays.

We didn't go out trick or treating. Isabel is still a little young and I don't need to eat any more chocolate than I already fit into my diet. But, we did dress her up and went for a long, fall walk, and even let her have a piece of candy or two.

I made her dress using Puperita's Hula Hoop Dress Pattern. It's a great little pattern that goes together easily. I made some alterations to the pattern. I didn't line it, and instead just used bias tape around the neckline. It buttons up the back, but I used KAM snaps instead because I really hate sewing button holes... I also added a 3 layer skirt, with the top layer being made of spiderweb netting. I cut the hem jagged for an extra witchy look.

The Design Exchange and Etsy have partnered to offer several Mastercraft workshops. You can learn lingerie making with me, Fabric Dying (I kind of want to do this one), jewelry making, and more!

I'm really excited at the chance to do some in person teaching!

To prepare, my bestest buddy Abbey came up for the day so that I could teach her how to make lingerie!

Abbey has sewing experience, but hasn't sewn much over the last few years, hadn't worked much with knits, and had never sewn lingerie.

Oliver makes sure she cuts the gusset lining correctly.

Just by watching my demonstrations, she was able to complete the entire process herself, from cutting the fabric to doing the finishing touches.

Getting the hang of sewing fold over elastic! She's a natural.

Lingerie making is one of those things that just takes practice. Abbey did an amazing job, especially since this was her first time working with lingerie fabrics and notions, and felt a little rusty on the sewing machine! Getting the elastic just right and mastering that zig zag stitch takes a few tries, but on the whole, her set went together really well!

Abbey's first try! Amazing!

I'm hoping I'll get to see a couple familiar faces at the workshop, and meet some new ones too. If you know anyone in Toronto who would be interested in learning how to make lingerie, please let them know about the workshop! I'll be providing a variety materials and a notions kit so that you can create a truly customized set.